Meet the Winners of 2024

Gary Morgan’s journey into healthcare is one of dedication, compassion, and leadership. After transitioning from a career as a construction supervisor in 2013, Gary earned his FETAC Level 5 qualification in Healthcare Support, setting the stage for his remarkable career at Castleross Nursing Home. Starting as a Healthcare Assistant, Gary’s passion for making a difference in residents’ lives quickly became evident, and he steadily progressed through various roles, culminating in his position as Senior Household Coordinator in May 2022.

With over 11 years of experience in Care of the Elderly, Gary has become a champion of Person-Centred Care, ensuring every resident feels valued and supported. His ability to lead and inspire his team has created a positive, nurturing environment that extends to residents, families, and colleagues alike. Gary’s dedication to fostering respect, dignity, and well-being for all is at the heart of his work.

An integral member of the Castleross and Grace Healthcare team, Gary exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond in nursing home care. His commitment to improving the quality of life for residents and creating a strong sense of community makes him a truly deserving recipient of the Overall Winner Award at this year’s #NHICareAwards.

Overall Winner – Sponsored by Homecare Medical

Since joining Newpark in 2016 as an Activity Coordinator, Pamela Rothwell has transformed the approach to resident activities with her creativity, passion, and dedication. Recognising the need for more personalised and engaging experiences, Pamela worked closely with residents through committee meetings to redesign the activity timetable, ensuring it reflected their interests and brought more joy to their daily lives.

Her innovative mindset and dedication to continuous improvement earned her a promotion to Activities Manager in 2018. Leading a passionate team that includes Mairead and Jaya, Pamela has introduced new and dynamic group activities while ensuring personalised 1:1 sessions for residents who need extra support. From hand massages to sensory therapy, her focus on enhancing residents’ quality of life is at the heart of everything she does.

Under Pamela’s leadership, the activities programme at Newpark has received outstanding feedback from residents, families, and staff alike. Her unwavering commitment to creating meaningful and enjoyable experiences has not only enriched the lives of residents but also strengthened the sense of community within the nursing home.

Pamela’s exceptional work exemplifies the very best in care, and we are proud to celebrate her as a winner at this year’s #NHICareAwards.

Sponsored by AIB

Angie McLoughlin has been the welcoming face of Marian House for the past 11 years, a role she took on while raising her two young children. The family-friendly support she received from management allowed her to balance her career and family life, something she holds dear to this day.

Angie’s respect for the residents and her colleagues quickly grew into something much deeper—she no longer sees residents as just residents, but as family. As the receptionist, Angie’s role is pivotal, and her presence is felt in every corner of Marian House. Whether she’s greeting visitors, lending a listening ear to a resident, or stepping in to help her colleagues, she brings warmth, compassion, and a genuine dedication to her work.

Her philosophy is simple: “The paperwork will always be there tomorrow, but the people won’t.” Angie gives her full attention to everyone she interacts with, ensuring they feel valued and cared for. She credits her growth and success to the incredible team at Marian House and the residents who have touched her life over the years.

A true team player, Angie believes her entire team deserves recognition for their hard work and dedication. Her humility and heartfelt commitment to making Marian House a place of comfort and care make her a well-deserved winner at this year’s #NHICareAwards.

Sponsored by Phoenix STS

Ashbi Baby, a Senior Healthcare Assistant at Esker Ri Nursing Home, exemplifies dedication, compassion, and excellence in care. Originally from Kerala, India, Ashbi began her nursing career in 2006 and has spent over 12 years building a reputation for her skill and warmth. Her commitment to excellence was evident early on, earning her the Best Student Award during her training, and her drive to grow led her to work in the Middle East, where she received a Special Honour Award for her exceptional service.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ashbi’s bravery and compassion were on full display as she served as an emergency department nurse, prioritising her patients’ needs over her own safety. Her outstanding efforts earned her the prestigious Frontline Hero Award in 2021.

Since joining Esker Ri in 2022, Ashbi has become an integral part of the team. Her calm and friendly demeanour, paired with her ability to build meaningful connections with residents, has made her deeply trusted and admired. Her attentive, person-centred care earned her the Employee of the Month award in August 2024, a testament to the lasting impact she has on colleagues and residents alike.

Outside of work, Ashbi is a devoted mother of three and a loving wife, balancing her career and family with grace. She brings the same kindness and reliability to her role at Esker Ri, where her years of experience and gentle nature enrich the lives of residents and inspire her team daily.

Ashbi’s remarkable journey and unwavering dedication make her a truly deserving winner at this year’s #NHICareAwards.

Sponsored by PKF Brenson Lawlor

Mary Paul Keane is a woman whose spirit remains young and vibrant, even as she fully embraces the wisdom and opportunities that come with ageing. A lifelong educator and activist, Mary Paul has dedicated her life to creating opportunities for others, particularly women seeking a second chance at education.

Her transformative experiences include five years in Denmark in her twenties, where she broadened her worldview and developed a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives. Mary Paul’s passion for empowerment led her to cofound Sheela na Gig, a renowned bookshop in Galway, and to establish Attic Press, a groundbreaking publishing house that championed women’s voices in academia and literature during the early 1980s.

With undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in History and Sociology, and a master’s dissertation on Culture and Colonialism, Mary Paul’s intellectual curiosity and commitment to education have shaped her remarkable journey.

Now a proud resident of Rathborne Nursing Home, Mary Paul continues to make an impact as the chair of the Residents Committee. Under her leadership, the committee has introduced meaningful initiatives, including a book club and choir, and serves as a vital advocate for all residents, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs addressed.

Her personal motto, “One step forward, one step forward,” reflects her enduring optimism and determination. Mary Paul’s achievements and her ongoing contributions to her community make her a truly deserving winner of this year’s #NHICareAwards.

Sponsored by Nutricia

Noranna Pearce is a transformative leader whose career in nursing spans nearly three decades. Graduating from Beaumont Hospital in 1995, Noranna began her journey in healthcare with a passion for excellence and care. After gaining valuable experience at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Castlebar, she returned to nursing following a career break and, for the past 3.5 years, has served as Assistant Director of Nursing at Cuan Chaitriona Nursing Home in Castlebar.

Noranna’s mission is clear: to ensure residents in long-term care have the opportunity to lead full, meaningful lives. She has worked tirelessly to challenge the narrative that long-term care marks the end and instead advocates for it being a new, beautiful beginning. Her efforts have enriched the lives of residents in ways once thought impossible, and her leadership has had a truly transformational impact.

A selfless and tireless advocate for her residents, Noranna leads by example, inspiring her team to strive for excellence and embrace a care philosophy rooted in dignity, choice, and quality of life. Her ability to inspire those around her, simply through her vision and work ethic, is nothing short of magical.

Humble and hardworking, Noranna shies away from the spotlight, quietly ensuring everyone is cared for and supported. She is not only a leader but also a trusted colleague and friend, embodying compassion, dedication, and resilience in all she does.

The residents and staff at Cuan Chaitriona are fortunate to have Noranna as their champion. Her unwavering dedication makes her a deserving recipient of this year’s #NHICareAwards.

Sponsored by Bank of Ireland

John McDonald is a dedicated Head Chef at Knockrobin Hill Care Home in Wicklow, where he ensures that 99 residents enjoy restaurant-quality, nutritious meals three times a day. His commitment to providing delicious, healthy food extends beyond the residents to the staff as well, with John ensuring that everyone working in the home has access to wholesome meals to support their energy and well-being throughout their shifts.

John’s ethos is simple: “If I’m not going to eat it, I shouldn’t present it.” His dedication to quality is evident in every dish he serves, ensuring that each meal is not only nutritionally balanced but also visually appealing. John believes that food is not just about taste but about promoting health, and he brings a deep respect for healthy produce into every meal.

With a passion for food and nutrition, John knows that proper hydration and balanced meals are key to maintaining health as we age, and he strives to provide the best for both residents and staff. His dedication to improving the lives of those in his care makes him a deserving winner at this year’s #NHICareAwards.

Sponsored by BDO

Mary O’Rourke’s incredible nursing journey began in 1980 when she commenced her training at Altnagelvin Hospital in Co. Derry, qualifying as a nurse in 1983. Her career has since taken her across the globe, from oncology wards in Iraq to cardiac intensive care in St. James’s Hospital, Dublin.

After marrying, Mary and her husband moved to Europe to further their careers, living in several countries before settling in Holland. In 1992, they returned to Ireland, and Mary resumed her nursing career with the Talbot Group, where she rose to Director of Nursing. Over 16 years in this role, she spearheaded the opening of two new units—Psychiatry of Old Age and Care of the Elderly—while successfully implementing HIQA standards, earning numerous positive inspections.

Today, Mary serves as the Assistant Director of Nursing at AnovoCare Nursing Home. Here, she feels valued and supported, enabling her to focus on providing the highest quality of care for residents. She is also a dedicated mentor, encouraging and supporting her team to grow and thrive.

Mary’s philosophy of care is rooted in her belief that ageing is not “lost youth” but a new stage filled with strength and opportunity. She approaches every day as an adventure, bringing compassion, expertise, and optimism to her work. Her career reflects an unwavering dedication to improving elder care, making her a truly deserving winner at this year’s #NHICareAwards.

Sponsored by Avendra

Vipin Karata’s nursing career is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and passion for improving elder care. Beginning his journey in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in India, Vipin gained invaluable experience as an ICU nurse before moving to Ireland in 2013. There, he pursued further education, earning a Master of Science in Nursing and advanced qualifications in Health Services Management and Health Care Regulation. Most recently, he achieved a second Master of Nursing in June 2024, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

Since joining Ireland’s private healthcare sector in 2014, Vipin has risen through the ranks, becoming Director of Nursing at Maryborough Nursing Home in 2020. His leadership has been transformative, focusing on improving resident care, enhancing staff development, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality in elderly care.

Vipin’s contributions extend beyond Ireland, with his international registration in India, New Zealand, and Australia showcasing his global perspective on nursing excellence. In recognition of his expertise, Vipin will receive a prestigious Fellowship at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in December 2024.

With a clear focus on driving innovation and enhancing healthcare delivery, Vipin is committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of residents and staff. His leadership and vision make him a truly deserving recipient at this year’s #NHICareAwards.

Sponsored by Irish Hospice Foundation

The CARU Group at Killure Bridge Nursing Home, comprised of Roshen Kuriakose (CNM), Muriel Grogan (Staff Nurse), Shauna Morrissey (Staff Nurse), and Shane Mason (Healthcare Assistant), represents an extraordinary team dedicated to providing excellence in end-of-life care. With years of combined experience ranging from 2 to 12 years, this group has significantly impacted residents, families, and staff since its establishment in April 2024.

CARU stands as a shining example of compassionate, person-centred care, advocating for dignity and respect at every stage of life. The team works collaboratively with families and multidisciplinary teams to ensure residents receive the highest standard of care in their final days.

Their commitment goes beyond direct care; the CARU Group actively promotes education and training within Killure Bridge Nursing Home, facilitating end-of-life reviews and developing essential resources for their colleagues. Supported by Director of Care Mary Burke and Assistant Director of Care Stuart Kinsella, the team has become a cornerstone of excellence, compassion, and innovation in their field.

This group’s unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of residents and their families makes them truly deserving winners at this year’s #NHICareAwards.

Sponsored by LHP Skillnet

Martin Gerard Byrne’s journey in caring for older people began in his youth, inspired by his late mother Annie, who worked in the ‘Old Sacred Heart Home’ in Carlow. His natural compassion and dedication led him to roles in the Carlow Ambulance service, long before the term ‘Paramedic’ existed, where he attended emergencies alongside nurses, offering critical care with empathy and professionalism.

A proud Carlovian, Martin is not only a ‘people person’ but also a successful businessman, having held senior management roles and run a thriving hospitality business with his wife Jenny in Tenerife. Upon returning to Ireland in 2020, Martin brought his wealth of experience and deep respect for older people to Gowran Abbey Nursing Home, where he leads the Catering and Facilities Team.

Martin’s leadership is defined by his warmth, care, and unwavering commitment to residents and their families. He goes above and beyond to ensure everyone at Gowran Abbey feels loved, respected, and part of the ‘Gowran Abbey Family.’ Known for the ‘daily sunshine’ he brings to the home, Martin’s kindness and compassion are deeply appreciated by residents, families, colleagues, and management alike.

A keen golfer, Martin’s team sees his nomination and win as a true “Hole in One,” celebrating the incredible impact he has made on their lives. His dedication to improving the lives of residents and fostering a sense of belonging makes him a deserving winner of this year’s #NHICareAwards.

Sponsored by RCSI